Steven Spielberg Was Worried Monty Python Would Tarnish His Indiana Jones Legacy With Harrison Ford for a Surprising Reason
Steven Spielberg is one of the greatest filmmakers in the entertainment industry. With his vitae filled with highly acclaimed blockbuster hits, and a lifetime of experience behind him; there aren’t many scenarios he hasn’t faced as a filmmaker.
One particular instance happened in the making of the third installment of the Indiana Jones franchise, which had the esteemed filmmaker concerned. After the success of the previous two films, Spielberg was under pressure to deliver a phenomenal film yet again.
But he was doubtful of the script, franchise creator George Lucas came up with as it had similar connotations to a timeless classic.
Steven Spielberg on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
In the threequel of the hit classic franchise, Indy is joined by his father to embark on yet another adventure. After the criticism Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom received, Steven Spielberg wanted this one to be lighthearted and fun.
However, the script for the movie didn’t come as easily. Utterly shockingly, the original working title for the movie was Indiana Jones and the Monkey King. Lucas came up with a plot where Indy dies fighting a gorilla army but is brought back to life. Only to be chased by Nazis armed with machine guns. Spielberg (thankfully) trashed the idea for being “too fanciful”.
George Lucas then brought back the idea of the Holy Grail. To have Harrison Ford-played hero chase it. But Spielberg had his reservations as the Holy Grail had already appeared in a movie that left a lasting impact on cinema. It was Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Indiana Jones seeking Monty Python’s Holy Grail
The idea of the Holy Grail is a recurring motif in the Arthurian legends. The British comedy group’s satirical take on the stories from that period in history was loved in both Britain and the United States. After the mark it had left on the worldwide audience, it was hard to separate the concept of the Holy Grail from Monty Python.
Spielberg in his uncanny intelligence for filmmaking, knew right away that something that had already become so ubiquitous in the cinematic sphere only through one film. would have a similar result twice.
“I immediately said, ‘Does that mean that jugular-biting white rabbits are going to come flying out of caves?’ As far as I’m concerned, the Holy Grail remains defined by the Pythons,”
Lucas convinced Spielberg that in any way, this movie will not be repeating what has happened before. Holy Grail will be an element of the movie which serves the plot but this film “is going to be serious“. And sure enough, the film did exceedingly well and was applauded for its dynamic script.
Borrowing elements from past work is not unheard of in movies. All art forms draw inspiration from the greatness that already exists in the respective fields. Holy Grail’s use as a plot device in two of the greats of all time signifies that.
Source: Slash Film
